1. How easy should singing feel?

You should have the ability to sing from the bottom to the extreme top of your vocal range, with a smooth, controlled, even feel to your voice. Also, you need to eliminate any "breaks" in your voice, where you "flip" or sing in different sounding voices in your lower and upper ranges.

You should keep the same comfortable feel in your voice that you have when you speak, so you don't try to "reach" for high notes, or try to push out high notes. As this balance is produced in your voice, you are able to sing with greater power throughout your entire range, without strain, and without wearing out your voice.

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2. Is correct singing really as relaxed and easy on my voice as talking?

Yes! When your are talking at a comfortable conversation level, without interference from the muscles in your neck, throat or jaw, you are also on the road to a powerful, full, free singing voice.

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3. Will this method of vocal study help strengthen my speaking voice as well?

Absolutely! In fact, many singers find that bad habits in their speaking voices are putting undue stress and strain on the way they sing. You cannot improve your singing voice without the benefit of also improving the natural ease and fullness of your speaking voice. This is why so many executives needing help with their professional speaking voices study with Eric.

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4. How do I find a really good voice teacher?

Be sure you are choosing a teacher who understands and can demonstrate superior vocal technique. A voice technique teacher is vitally important, because without the technical ability to sing flexibly and clearly in all parts of your range, you are going to run into vocal limitations or even worse, vocal damage.

A good voice technique teacher is hard to find. Just because a teacher can play the piano while you follow along, you are not necessarily learning to sing, any better. Also, if the teacher tends to just holler out instructions like "support the tone," "sing from your diaphragm," "lift your soft pallet" and "open you mouth," you know you are likely dealing with a poor teacher. If you don't feel your vocal range, tone and control improving within a few lessons, then work with a better teacher who will help you attain your goals faster.

Many teachers have poor vocal technique, or they may have nice voices but are rarely successful at showing others how to achieve easily produced vocal power, range and control. Before studying with a teacher, give them a “tryout”. Ask them to demonstrate their vocal ability, showing you how they sing from the very bottom, to the extreme top of their range without strain, or changing from one vocal quality to another at any point.

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5. When studying voice, how long does it take to sing high notes easily?

Immediately. Good vocal technique should involve no strain in the production of tone anywhere in your range. A teacher must quickly begin to vocalize you right on up and down through your extreme ranges to ensure that you don't get "stuck" in any one part of your range.

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6. I tried voice lessons before, and they didn't help much. How is this approach different?

Many (dare I say, most?) voice teachers do not truly understand and primarily concentrate on teaching vocal technique. Though many try, they often do more to confuse students than to help them. Again, if you don't find a teacher that shows you the way to a more comfortable use of your voice, with more strength and range within just a few lessons, then find another teacher to work with.

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7. Can a student be too old or too young to benefit from studying voice?

First of all, a student can never be too old to improve their voice through study. Just as with any age, you can learn to strengthen and control the muscles involved in singing. If you are singing with good technique, your voice will only improve as you get older. As far as younger students go, I suggest that students should be old enough to maintain focus through a half hour vocal lesson, and be able to practice at least 10-20 minutes per day.

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8. What should I do if I want to sing professionally?

If you want to sing professionally, you need to start by getting your voice in top condition and under control! After that, you will need to put together a professional PR package, including a demo, a headshot promotional photo, and other promotional material.

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9. Based on my own gender, should I study with a man or a woman?

For a teacher who understands the voice, and who knows how to get results for his or her students, gender doesn't matter one way or the other. In other words, there is no advantage to studying with your own gender if they can't teach both genders extremely and equally well.

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10. I've heard that the best singing teachers are opera singers. Is this important?

Opera is a style of music; it isn't a method of teaching. More important than the singing of any style, including opera, is the ability of a teacher to vocalize a singing student through their entire range, without breaks or strain. Once the voice is free, a teacher should bring a student through ANY style of music the student wishes to do.

The word "Opera" tends to insipre confidence in students that may well be unfounded. Find a teacher who can help you find your best voice and let you soar within that style. Opera isn't a "better" way to learn singing, anymore than other styles.

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